Radiation Protective Structures on the Base of a Case Study for a Manned Mars Mission

Paper number

IAC-07-C2.6.07

Author

Mr. Andreas Borggraefe, Aachen University of Technology, Germany

Coauthor

Coauthor

Mr. Thomas Schervan, Aachen University of Technology, Germany

Coauthor

Mr. Daniel Noelke, RWTH Aachen - Institut fuer Leichtbau, Germany

Year

2007

Abstract

Plans for interplanetary manned space missions imply significant risks arising from human’s exposure to the hostile space environment. Thus the design of reliable protection systems against the ionising cosmic radiation  becomes one of the most relevant issues.
In this paper the composition and magnitude of the atmospheric radiation on the planetary surface and for typical interplanetary transfer configurations have been analyzed. The investigation based on prior NASA and ESA mission results, using a manned mission to planet mars as a case study. According to this, the time-dependent character of the consistency of cosmic radiation has been taken into account, which is justified by the interdependence of the radiation magnitude to the solar cycle. With regard to this paper it implies even solar particle events. The results have been compared to the protective character of different materials potentially usable as a habitat’s structural shell and for interplanetary spacecrafts. The investigation aimed on particle energy degradation rates and reduction of secondary particle production. In this regard the physical process of absorbing effectiveness against particle and electro-magnetic radiation has been examined by analytical calculation and given scientific results, depending on thickness and molecular composition of the materials. The most suitable materials have been used for a structural stress and stability analysis for the outer shell using different configurations, which imply e.g. the use of aluminium, water tanks and polyethylene bricks.

Abstract document

IAC-07-C2.6.07.pdf

Manuscript document

IAC-07-C2.6.07.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).

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